Attractions

Its difficult to dig deep into Civil Rights history in Birmingham without hearing about The Four Little Girls. In 1963 four little girls (Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, Addie Mae Collins, and Carol Robertson) were killed when members of the Ku Klux Klan planted 22 sticks of dynamite outside the basement of the 16th Street Baptist Church. Shadow Lawn Memorial Gardens was the original place that housed their remains. The 40-acre cemetery is also said to be the final resting place for over 100 Civil War veterans. Recent actions have tried to raise funds and awareness for the unique piece of Birmingham history. - Terah Shelton

The Shades Mountain Baptist Church, focuses on inculcating virtues and teachings from the Bible. It prepares the community to face the challenges of real world with a balanced mind. The various events organized by the church are an attempt to reach out to all the members irrespective of their age. "Mommy and Me" class introduces music to toddlers, while the Ceramics Daytime Class explores the creative streak in you. It also stages various concerts. Gym room and the game room filled with the Super Nintendo Games, XBOX and puzzles too, checkers and card games are an example of the church moving ahead with times.

Red Mountain Park consists is 1200 acres full of outdoor fun and excitement. In addition to the 11 hiking trails in the park, there are also ziplining facilities, historic mines, several treehouses and the Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest. The park is one of Birmingham's favorite destinations for outdoor adventure.

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, the city's only antebellum mansion, offers tours featuring its collection of 19th-century furniture and decorative arts. The building is a grand example of the Greek Revival architecture that was prominent in the 1840s. A tearoom is available, and the gardens are a beautiful site and backdrop for weddings and other special events. Call ahead for admission details.

Located to the south of Birmingham, Good People Brewing Company was established by a group of beer-lovers in 2008. They sold their very first keg on an auspicious day, July 4, which has favored the growth of this brewery. Good People Brewing Company has been rated as one of the finest beer makers in southern United States. Amongst their ales sold year-round, the Snake Handler and IPA come highly recommended. Visitors can participate in a tour around the brewery and get enlightened on the brewing process.

Emanuel Temple COGIC (Church Of God In Christ), has witnessed tremendous growth over the past years. It emphasizes on importance of holiness for the next generations. This church is also referred to as Holiness or Pentecostal in nature. Imbibing moral values and faith in god is what this church vouches for. Along with the regular charitable events it also hosts Youth Choir and Bible quizzes. But above all this church brings about spiritual unity in the community.

Five Points South is a district located right next to the University of Alabama Birmingham. The district is well known and popular for its wide array of restaurants, clubs and nightlife. The area is also home to several city landmarks including the Storyteller Fountain, Pickwick Plaza and the Brother Bryan statue.

Rickwood Field was built in 1910 for in the city's professional baseball team, the Coal Barons. Rickwood Field has since been restored to look the way it did in its 1940s heyday, all the way down to the hand-operated scoreboard. Wearing old-time uniforms, the Birmingham Barons play the annual Rickwood Classic. Baseball greats who played at Rickwood include Babe Ruth, Rogers Hornsby, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb and Birmingham's own Burleigh Grimes, the last legal spitball pitcher in the big leagues. Rickwood was also home to the Birmingham Black Barons Negro League team, which brought the likes of Satchel Paige, Piper Davis and local teenage phenomenon Willie Mays to play here. There is no charge to visit Rickwood; inquire about admission prices for the Rickwood Classic and other special events.

Temple Emanu-El is a Jewish landmark in Birmingham. This architectural marvel was built in 1889 and features a domed ceiling, and intricate Corinthian columns and a pediment on its exterior facade. The synagogue is a Reform Jewish congregation and organizes worship services, prayer and study programs for the community. Live webcast of their services are available online every Friday and Saturday for a global outreach. The building is home to several spaces like the Abroms Hall, Sanctuary and Hess Chapel ideal for private functions and events.

Birmingham's Railroad Park is a 19 acre park that was created in 2010. The park has water features, trails, and lots of grassy space for playing and picnicking. The park often plays hosts to special events and concerts throughout the year.

Built in 1902, the Third Presbyterian Church at Birmingham is housed within a splendid historic building that has remained largely unaltered since its completion over 100 years ago. Constructed upon an elegant design and embellished with fine decorative details, the church continues on as an active place of worship. Amidst the church's graceful arches and beautiful stained glass windows, the church's congregation unites in prayer and worship. While the church services and practices remain firmly grounded in Scripture, it has adapted itself to meet the changing needs of its congregation.